It's a Miracle

First Baptist Dallas $130 million campus built in 42 seconds

First Baptist Dallas, one of the oldest churches in America, is christening a new campus on Easter Sunday. The state-of-the-art $130 million facility spans five city blocks. Construction began in 2009 and officially ends with the grand opening ceremony on March 31.

The 500,000-square-foot campus includes a glass-walled sky bridge that connects the worship center and the Horner Family Center, which houses a gym, classrooms, three indoor playgrounds and a seven-story parking garage.

Pastor Robert Jeffress is at the helm of the historic church, which boasts 11,000 members. Jeffress is a frequent guest on The O'Reilly Factor and has also appeared on Good Morning America and Real Time With Bill Maher. He's made headlines in the past for his positions on homosexuality, Mormonism and Islam.

“For more than 140 years — through cycles of both decline and growth — First Baptist has been steadfastly committed to the city of Dallas,” Jeffress said in a statement. “That dedication continues through this contribution of what we believe is the finest facility in the heart of downtown — a concert hall of worship that truly represents, and is dedicated to, the greatness of God.”

Designed by the The Beck Group, the entire campus is expected to attain silver certification by the LEED Green Building Rating System.

First Baptist Dallas christens its new campus on Easter Sunday.

First Baptist Dallas

Photo courtesy of First Baptist Dallas

First Baptist Dallas christens its new campus on Easter Sunday.

Weed News

Texas Rep. Jessica González of Dallas files bill to legalize marijuana

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Redheaded Blackbelt

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Texas Rep. Jessica González of Dallas has filed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas. House Bill 1208 would legalize the cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, and sale of cannabis.

The bill would allow adults 21 and older to use, possess, and transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use. Adults could also keep up to 10 ounces of cannabis in their residence, as long as it is stored in a secure location.

Smoking or consuming cannabis while in a public place or in a car on a public road would not be allowed.

Gonzalez filed the bill in mid-November, one in a suite of bills that also included expanding insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization for LGBTQ couples; and requiring landlords to disclose all fees before a rental lease is signed.

Her bill was filed prior to an initiative launched by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on December 4 to ban THC products in Texas entirely.

In addition to legalizing recreational use, the bill also makes provisions for its production and sale including requiring that the packaging be child-resistent and clearly labeled, so that it's not confused for candy.

Businesses looking to grow, transport, test, or sell cannabis would need to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. A 10 percent tax would be imposed on the sale of all cannabis and cannabis products. Some of the profits would go towards funding public schools.

If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.

Medical cannabis is currently legal in Texas under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, which allows low-THC cannabis to be prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, MS, autism, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Some cities have also approved decriminalization for the possession of four ounces or less of marijuana, including Austin, Bastrop, Dallas, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and Lockhart.

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